The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that Delhi’s air quality would deteriorate further after Diwali, highlighting concerns over pollution as the court prepares to consider whether firecrackers should be permitted during the festival.
Justice Vikram Nath made the remark while hearing a request from senior advocate Indira Jaising to schedule a matter for November 17. The judge initially suggested November 3, observing that the air would be cleaner before Diwali than afterwards. Jaising responded that pollution levels were already a concern ahead of the festival.
The conversation highlighted the continuing challenge of balancing public health concerns with celebrations involving firecrackers.
Supreme Court to Consider Diwali Firecracker Restrictions
The question of permitting firecrackers during Diwali is scheduled to be considered by a bench headed by Justice MM Sundresh.
The Supreme Court is monitoring Delhi’s pollution through a suo motu proceeding arising from a petition filed by advocate MC Mehta. A separate petition filed in 2015 by three young children sought a complete ban on firecrackers, citing their harmful effects on children, elderly people and those with existing health conditions.
Under orders passed in the MC Mehta case, the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers have been prohibited in Delhi and the wider National Capital Region, subject to subsequent directions issued by the court.
Last year, the court permitted a limited window for the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali in an attempt to balance public health considerations with religious and cultural practices.
Firecracker retailers have again approached the court seeking a similar arrangement, proposing that sales be permitted on specified dates and the use of crackers be restricted to designated hours. The court is expected to consider these requests while deciding the applicable restrictions.
Court Calls for a Practical Approach
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court indicated that restrictions on firecrackers required a “practical and pragmatic” approach. It stressed the need to consider both citizens’ health and religious sentiments, including the possible use of less-polluting green crackers.
The Centre has submitted formulations for improved firecrackers developed with the involvement of scientific and regulatory institutions, including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Researchers have presented formulations for next-generation joined firecrackers designed to produce fewer emissions than conventional firecracker strings, commonly known as laris. Studies are also examining ways to reduce the use of barium in firecrackers, with open-ground testing being conducted at multiple locations across the country.
The court’s upcoming consideration will address whether and under what conditions firecrackers may be sold and used during Diwali, amid continuing concerns about air pollution in the national capital.
